Page 11 of Love Loathe Devotion (Tightrope #3)

I wake slowly, my body heavy, my mind foggy. The soft sheets beneath me feel unfamiliar, smoother, and more luxurious than anything I own. A dull ache pulses in my head and, as I blink against the warm glow of the room, confusion sets in.

Where am I?

I shift slightly, my muscles protesting, and that’s when I see it—a glass of water on the bedside table with a small note beside it. My fingers tremble as I reach for the paper, my heartbeat thudding in my ears.

You’re safe. You’re in my home. Don’t panic. I’m downstairs making a sandwich. -E.

Eddie.

It takes a moment for the name to register, for my sluggish mind to piece things together. And then, like a slow-building storm, the memories hit. The attack. The drug. Eddie carrying me. His voice, deep and steady, telling me he had me.

A shiver runs through me, but I push it down and focus on the present. I grab the water, my throat suddenly parched, and take small sips. The cool liquid soothes the rawness there, and I let out a slow breath.

I need to get up.

I carefully shift to the edge of the bed, swinging my legs over the side. But the moment I attempt to stand, my balance wavers. Strong hands catch me before I can tip over.

“Take it slow,” Eddie murmurs, his voice gentle yet firm.

I look up at him, his dark eyes filled with concern. He’s wearing a plain black T-shirt and sweatpants, his hair slightly messy like he’s been running his hands through it. He looks... softer than usual, more relaxed, but the intensity in his gaze remains.

“I just need to go to the bathroom,” I say, my voice hoarse.

He nods but doesn’t let me go immediately. “You sure you’re okay?”

I manage a small smile. “I won’t know until I try.”

He exhales through his nose but doesn’t argue.

Instead, he helps me to my feet, his grip steady but careful.

As I lean against him for support, I take in the room around me.

It’s beautiful—spacious, decorated in warm neutrals and rich textures.

The bed I just left is massive, covered in plush pillows and soft blankets.

The lighting is low, casting a golden glow over everything.

“Your house is… wow,” I murmur, my fingers grazing the edge of the nightstand as we move.

Eddie huffs a quiet laugh. “Glad you approve.”

He guides me to a door and opens it, revealing an en-suite bathroom that looks like it belongs in a five-star hotel. Marble countertops, a glass rainfall shower, fluffy towels neatly folded on a rack.

“I’ll be right outside,” he says, stepping back but watching me closely. “Take your time.”

I nod and slip inside, closing the door behind me. Leaning against the cool marble sink, I take a moment to steady myself before glancing at my reflection.

God.

My hair is a mess, my face pale, dark circles shadow my eyes.

I look wrecked. I quickly use the facilities, conscious that Eddie is waiting outside.

I swallow against the lump in my throat and turn on the faucet, splashing cold water over my face.

It helps a little. I wash my hands slowly, gathering myself, before finally straightening and heading back out.

Eddie is leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, biceps bunched, and it makes my abdomen flutter with attraction. The moment he sees me, he moves to help. He doesn’t say anything as he leads me back to the bed, but his touch is steady and reassuring, sending pleasure through my exhausted body.

“Here.” He hands me two small tablets. “It’s for the nausea. Should help.”

I hesitate before taking them, offering a small smile. “Thanks.”

He watches as I swallow them down with more water, his expression unreadable. “How do you feel?”

“Tired,” I admit. “Sore. Confused.”

His jaw tightens slightly, but he nods. “Yeah. You’ve been out for two days.”

My eyes widen. “Two days?”

He sits down on the edge of the bed, close but not touching. “Yeah. You had a bad reaction to whatever that asshole gave you. The doctor came, said your system just needed time to flush it out.”

I exhale slowly. “And… you brought me here?”

Eddie nods. “I wanted you somewhere safe. Somewhere quiet.”

I process that, biting my lip. “What… what happened after?”

His expression darkens. “I found you before he got you out of the stadium. You were out of it.” He drags a hand through his hair. “Security got the guy. He won’t be bothering you again.”

Something about the way he says it sends a shiver down my spine. “Eddie… what did you do?”

His gaze locks onto mine. “Handled it.”

I swallow, not sure I want more details. “Is he…?”

“Gone.” Eddie’s voice is firm, final. “That’s all you need to know.”

Intense danger pours from him, but not for a single second does it make me fearful of him. It only adds to the attraction I already feel.

I let out a shaky breath, my fingers tightening around the blanket. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything.”

I look up at him, his face softer now, the sharp edges of his usual confidence dulled by something deeper. “Thank you,” I whisper.

His jaw ticks, and then, to my surprise, he cups my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. “You never have to thank me for looking after you.”

I blink rapidly, emotions swirling inside me. No one has ever protected me like this. Not like him.

He clears his throat, pulling back slightly. “Drink some more water. It’ll help.”

I nod, taking another sip. Eddie watches me closely, then adds, “And when you’re up for it, you should eat something. Even just a little.”

I hesitate. “I don’t know if I can.”

He smiles slightly. “I make a mean sandwich.”

Despite everything, I laugh softly. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. Legendary, even.”

I shake my head, still feeling the weight of everything but grateful for the brief lightness. “I guess I could try a few bites.”

Eddie grins. “Good. I’ll be right back.”

As he stands, I watch him go, warmth curling in my chest. I don’t know what this means, or where we go from here, but for the first time in a long time, I feel safe.

Before I have time to dwell on anything too deeply, Eddie is back with the promised sandwich.

He sits gently on the bed and places it on my lap.

“Try and eat a little, I’m gonna go grab something from downstairs, but I’ll be back to check in a few. ”

I watch him leave the room and swallow past the lump in my throat, overwhelmed by his kindness.

To distract myself, I reach for the sandwich sitting on a tray beside me.

At first, I nibble tentatively, but the moment food touches my stomach, I realize how hungry I am.

I eat slowly, piece by piece, the nourishment bringing back some strength.

As I eat, I try to pull together the broken memories, but they remain scattered flashes—hazy and incomplete.

The door opens again, and Eddie steps back in, holding a black duffel in his hand. He grins when he sees the empty plate. “Good. You needed that.”

I wipe my mouth, sitting up a little straighter. “I think it helped. I still feel weak, though.”

“That’s normal. It’ll take a bit, but you’ll get there.” He gestures to the bag. “Christie packed you an overnight bag. Thought you might want fresh clothes.”

Emotion wells in my chest at the small but meaningful gesture. “That was really thoughtful. Thank you.”

Eddie shrugs like it’s no big deal. “You wanna take a shower? Might help you feel more like yourself.”

I nod. “Yeah. I think I would.”

He points toward the en-suite. “Go ahead. I’ll be next door in my room. Just keep the door open in case you need me. If you do, shout. I’ll be there.”

I hesitate, something about his unwavering presence and care makes my heart squeeze. He mistakes my pause for fear, stepping closer, his touch light but reassuring on my arm. “Hey... you’re safe here. I would never hurt you. Never touch you without your consent.”

My breath catches at the intensity in his gaze. “It’s not that,” I whisper.

His brows knit together. “Then what is it?”

I look down, feeling vulnerable in a way I’m not used to. “Nobody’s ever been this sweet to me before.”

Eddie’s grin is slow and devastating. “Get used to it.”

My heart flutters wildly, heat creeping up my neck. Before I can process it, he steps back and nods toward the bathroom. “Go on. I’ll be right here.”

With one last glance at him, I clutch the bag and disappear into the bathroom, my pulse still racing.

I don’t know a lot right now, but what I do know is that Eddie is the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time.